Oct02
The current state of our economy in Osoyoos has a degree of uncertainty to it. We often get involved in our daily lives and don’t pay attention to the importance of recognizing that we can make a difference. It often seems that dwelling on the negative is the only choice we have but, you know, that’s not true. Osoyoos has its economic difficulties. We would be naive to think that we are immune to the pressures of a worldwide economic crisis….and I choose that word carefully. A brief look at our monthly building permit reports would cause any financial expert to cringe.
It always amazes me when individuals have a vision. Most would think that starting a business during these times of uncertainty is not a wise thing to do and may come with challenges over and above normal business startup woes. Well, go figure, in little ole Osoyoos we’ve had 4 businesses start up recently.
I know, it’s shameless, but I’m gonna plug these businesses anyway.
1. FEATHERED FROG—Offers handcrafted soaps. A catch phrase from their website says “Stop whatever you’re doing and take a bath”. They are located at 8317-Main St.
2. BIA BORO—A women’s fashion store located in the same building as the Pizza Factory.
3. MUTTS ON MAIN—All breed dog grooming located at 5702–Main street. Took our old dog Jake and they did a first class job.
4. INDIE LULU—featuring a wide variety of goods in one of those kinda of stores that everyone likes. 7608-Veterans Way. Another catch phrase that I like: Funky not Junky
So, I’ve ranted on many occasions about shopping local and how important it is to our community. Afterwards the most common response is “what do you expect me to do..Osoyoos doesn’t have this kind of store or this type of service and every business charges too much… and so on and so on”.
These four businesses are filling previously empty spaces in our town, employing people from our community, the owners are living here—shopping here—paying taxes—and their kids are attending school and each one is trying to be a good corporate citizen all while experiencing the many pitfalls of running your own business in Osoyoos.
You can be an important part of economic stability in our community by supporting these and all the other businesses in Osoyoos. Give them a chance..by doing so you become an important part of a stable and prosperous Osoyoos.
